TRANSPORTATION SCHEDULER/DISPATCHER

BASIC FUNCTION:

Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, prepare student transportation routes and bus driver schedules for home-to-school, special education, and field trip activities.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

The Transportation Scheduler/Dispatcher designs and prepares the bus routes and schedules for district bus routes, utilizing a sophisticated routing software, and other pupil transportation technologies.  The Transportation Scheduler/Dispatcher also interacts with school bus drivers utilizing the district’s two-way radio communications to provide timely communications to all drivers while operating their bus routes.  The Transportation Fee Coordinator coordinates the district’s school bus parent fee program, including the development of the bus pass fee application, qualifying eligible students for transportation service, and processing payment and financial records for the transportation fee program. 

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

Assist in planning school bus routes, driver schedules, stops, and loading zones; make temporary arrangements for route changes and vehicle breakdowns; dispatch emergency vehicles, drivers and mechanics as necessary.

Dispatch bus drivers and buses on routes and field trips.

Maintain records and prepare reports related to regular and special routes, personnel, schedules, financial issues, and student discipline; type and update driver schedules, route sheets and run time reports; maintain accurate records of students requiring special needs and medical information; maintain filing system.

Assign drivers and buses to transport special education students on regular routes and field trips; schedule new students’ pick-up and drop off routes.

Process and maintain field trip requests and information; log requests and prepare related records; assist in the coordination of charter vehicles and contact schools; assure proper coverage of field trips.

Communicate with drivers, teachers, parents, and principals to discuss issues and discipline problems, exchange information, prepare schedules, and resolve questions or concerns.

Operate a variety of office equipment, including a copier, calculator, facsimile, computer, and assigned software; operate and respond to calls on telephone and two-way radio.

Assign substitute bus drivers as necessary; prepare substitute driver work lists.

Assist with payroll activities as assigned; sign time cards as directed.

Perform related duties as assigned as they relate to this classification.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

Applicable sections of the State Education Code applicable to buses and pupil transportation.

Laws, rules, and regulations related to assigned activities, including applicable sections of the California Education Code.

School bus operations, including vehicle characteristics and wheelchair equipment modifications.

District organization, operations, policies, and objectives.

Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.

Record-keeping techniques.

Policies and objectives of assigned programs and activities.

Oral and written communication skills.

Operation of a computer and assigned software.

ABILITY TO:

Monitor assigned personnel and District vehicles to assure safe, efficient, timely, and accurate transportation of District students.

Coordinate schedules and assignments, and design routes.

Dispatch bus drivers and buses on routes and field trips.

Serve as a liaison between schools and parents.

Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.

Learn, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Work independently, with little direction.

Maintain records and prepare reports.

Operate a personal computer or laptop, as well as current relevant software programs.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Graduation from high school and two years of bus driving or student transportation experience.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

ENVIRONMENT:

Office and outdoor environment

Constant interruptions

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Sitting for extended periods of time

Walking

Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard

Hearing and speaking to exchange information

Bending at the waist, kneeling, or crouching to retrieve and file documents

HAZARDS:

Exposure to vehicle exhaust fumes, gases, and odors

This classification description describes the general nature of the work performed, representative duties, as well as the typical qualifications needed for acceptable performance.   It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, work steps, and skills required of the classification.